COCA-COLA has decided to promote its energetic sports drink—Powerade—when its Tigers vie in the 36th season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) that opens in October.
JB Baylon, Coca-Cola’s representative to the PBA board, made the official announcement during a launch party in a Makati City restaurant on Wednesday night. Powerade was the title sponsor of the PBA-backed national team coached by Yeng Guiao in 2009.
Baylon said the change of brand name could be what the team needs to end its misfortunes.
“After Coke’s first two glorious years and not so glorious next five years, the team’s campaign ended tonight,” said Baylon, who was accompanied by the Tigers and members of the coaching staff in the event.
“We hope that with this ’new’ team, we will be [reenergized] to compete against the likes of B-MEG, Meralco and the usual powerhouse teams like Talk ’N Text, Ginebra and San Miguel Beer,” he added.
PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios and his successor Atty. Chito Salud and season chairman Rene Pardo of B-MEG Derby Ace welcomed the Powerade team.
“Coke has always been a proud member of the PBA. We wish them good luck,” said Barrios.
Head coach Bo Perasol and team manager Kenneth Duremdes both agreed that the coming season will be a big challenge for the Tigers, who dropped the red-and-white shade of their uniform in favor of blue and black.
Coke joined the PBA in 2002 and immediately won the All-Filipino tournament under head coach Chot Reyes. Behind import Artemus McClary, the Tigers again won the 2003 Reinforced title.
Behemoth Asi Taulava, meanwhile, expressed his interest to remain a Tiger. Taulava’s contract with the team expires next year, but several teams, especially Meralco, is said to be interested in his services.
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